Packers: With Trade Deadline Near, 1 Position Always Worth Adding To

The NFL Trade Deadline is now just over a day away, with all moves having to take place by 3:00 CST on November 2nd. For the Green Bay Packers, this is the time of the year where they are often linked to a big-name player or two, but typically the deadline passes without a move made–and much to the chagrin of many within the fan base.

Recently I discussed in an article why 2021 could be different, however. I go through several reasons, but in short, it’s because it has not been business as usual this year at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

Between the $51 million worth of cap charges pushed from 2021 to future years, along with several veteran additions made after June 1st, Brian Gutekunst and Co. are operating a bit more aggressively. So perhaps we end up seeing a move at the trade deadline as well.

As far as who the Green Bay Packers could be targeting, well, that’s always difficult to gauge. But in terms of positions, there are a few that could be on their radar.

The Packers have already added to the cornerback and edge rusher rooms, but given the importance of those positions and the uncertainly surrounding Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith, another addition could be the prudent move to make. On top of that, giving Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur another weapon on offense is never a bad idea either.

However, if the Green Bay Packers are going to make an addition at the trade deadline, then my recommendation is that they add to the interior defensive line group.

This is a unit that Green Bay has not addressed much in recent years, outside of a few Day 3 draft picks. Now, having said that, I will also say that this group has played much better this season than what they have in previous years.

Kenny Clark continues to do Kenny Clark-type things while we’ve really seen Dean Lowry string together a very nice month-plus of football. Kingsley Keke has had some impact plays, while Tyler Lancaster and TJ Slaton have flashed as well. Not to mention that against the run, the Green Bay defense is yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement either–there certainly is. Added depth can reduce the workload for key players over the course of the season as well as reduce the roles of less impactful players. And as we’ve seen more frequently this season, a strong push from the interior defensive line group benefits the entire defense.

There is the obvious help that it provides against the run, which can turn the opposing offense one-dimensional and make moving the ball extremely difficult–even for the best offenses out there.

A good push from inside also helps keep the linebackers clean to make plays and can free up the edge rushers as well, presenting them with more one-on-one opportunities. And, of course, added pressure will also benefit the secondary.

From a salary cap standpoint, Over the Cap has the Green Bay Packers with $5.05 million in available space at the moment. That’s certainly not a lot, but there is enough room for Gutey to make an addition–as long as it doesn’t break the bank.

The writers from USA Today’s NFL Wire Network recently posted an article with one player from each team that could be traded prior to the deadline–and some of the interior defenders included Harrison Phillips of the Buffalo Bills, Nick Williams from Detroit, Washington’s Daron Payne, and Steve McLendon of Tampa Bay.

At this time, it remains to be seen if Green Bay will make a move, and I’m sure many of you out there are skeptical, given the team’s history at the trade deadline. However, as I highlighted above, this year has been different, so if they’re going to make a move, beefing up the interior defensive line makes the most sense–that is, if the right player is available.